GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES

GRADUATE COLLEGE FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY

http://www.fau.edu/graduate/pubs/RevGuidelines.pdf

January 2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION I: DEADLINES .................................................................................................................. 3 SECTION II: STYLE MANUALS ....................................................................................................... 4 SECTION III: RESPONSIBILITIES ..................................................................................................... 5

Student ....................................................................................................................................... 5 Supervisory Committee ............................................................................................................. 8 Graduate College ....................................................................................................................... 9 Library ..................................................................................................................................... 10

SECTION IV: MANUSCRIPT REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................ 11 Typing ..................................................................................................................................... 11 Paper ........................................................................................................................................ 12 Manuscript Layout .................................................................................................................. 13 Copy Layout ............................................................................................................................ 14 Font .......................................................................................................................................... 15 Margins .................................................................................................................................... 16 Spacing .................................................................................................................................... 17 Page Numbers .......................................................................................................................... 18 Illustrations and Tables ........................................................................................................... 21 Oversized Pages ...................................................................................................................... 22 Photographs ............................................................................................................................. 23 Printer Equipment .................................................................................................................... 24

SECTION V: SUBMISSION FOR PUBLISHING .................................................................................. 25 Electronic Copy ....................................................................................................................... 30 Instructions .............................................................................................................................. 31

APPENDIXES .................................................................................................................................. 32 Thesis and Dissertation Submission Checklist Sample: Title Page (Doctoral) Sample: Title Page (Masters) Sample: Copyright Page Sample: Signature Page (Doctoral) Sample: Signature Page (Masters) Sample: Acknowledgements Page Sample: Abstract (Doctoral) Sample: Abstract (Masters) Sample: Dedication Page Sample: Table of Contents Sample: List of Tables Sample: Table in Landscape format Sample: List of Figures Sample: Chapter Sample: References or Bibliography Template: Margins (Manuscript, Tables, and Figures) Template: Margins (Title, Signature, Acknowledgements, and Dedication pages; Abstract, Table of Contents, Chapter, Bibliography)

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 2

SECTION I: DEADLINES The Graduate College follows the academic calendar posted on the FAU website:

http://www.fau.edu/registrar/acadcal.php. The calendar for each semester lists deadlines for the

submission of theses and dissertations as well as for meeting other graduation requirements.

These deadlines are important, and failure to meet them will result in postponement of

graduation.

• Students who expect to graduate must have their Plan of Study on file in the Graduate

College prior to the beginning of their final semester.

o Any Plan of Study form submitted during a student’s graduation semester

must be accompanied by a Request to Waive a University Regulation form,

signed by the student’s advisor, department chair, and college dean. A detailed

letter explaining why the Plan of Study was submitted late also must be

attached.

o Any revisions to the Plan of Study form must be submitted by the Application

for Degree deadline.

o Link to forms: http://www.fau.edu/graduate/forms/index.php

• Students must register for at least one credit during the final semester.

• Students submitting manuscripts:

o The draft manuscript, accompanied by the approved signature pages, is due by

the deadline posted on the university academic calendar.

Students will receive a scanned PDF version of their approved

signature page via email once their draft manuscript is approved by the

Graduate College.

o The final manuscript package is due NO LATER THAN two (2) weeks prior

to graduation

o Electronic Theses or Dissertations (ETD) are due NO LATER THAN two (2)

weeks prior to graduation

Students will receive an email from the Manager of the Digital Library

once the ETD is accepted and uploaded.

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 3

SECTION II: STYLE MANUALS

The student should follow the style appropriate to the field of study. Information and approval

on the proper style manual, journal, or computer software should be obtained from the committee

chair. Some common styles are:

APA: American Psychological Association

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. Washington,

DC: American Psychological Association.

http://www.apastyle.org

MLA: Modern Language Association

MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. New York: Joseph Gibaldi.

http://www.mla.org

Turabian: Turabian, Kate L.

A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations: Chicago Style

for Students and Researchers. Chicago: University Press.

http://www.press.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/hfs.cgi/00/216864.ctl

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 4

SECTION III: RESPONSIBILITIES

• STUDENT Please note the following requirements when forming your Supervisory Committee*:

1. Doctoral Supervisory Committees. a. Each doctoral candidate shall have an advisor and a Supervisory Committee

comprised of at least three members of the Graduate Faculty. One of the members shall serve as the Chair of the Supervisory Committee.

b. The Supervisory Committee shall approve the student's plan of study, monitor the student's academic progress, approve the dissertation subject, prepare, give, and evaluate the qualifying examination, evaluate the dissertation defense, and approve the final document.

c. The minor, or related fields, if applicable, shall have representation on the Supervisory Committee.

2. Masters and Specialist Supervisory Committees. a. Each graduate student preparing a thesis shall have a Supervisory Committee

comprised of at least three members of the Graduate Faculty or Associate Graduate Faculty. One of the members shall serve as the Chair of the Supervisory Committee.

b. The Supervisory Committee shall approve the student's plan of study, monitor the student's academic progress, approve the thesis subject, evaluate the thesis defense, and approve the final document.

c. The minor, or related fields, if applicable, shall have representation on the Supervisory Committee.

3. Any graduate program may have additional written criteria, approved by the University Graduate Council, for their Associate Graduate Faculty members to serve on or co-chair doctoral supervisory committee.

Check with your graduate program for any additional requirements that may pertain to your Supervisory Committee. * Graduate College Governance Document, Approved by the University Graduate Faculty vote: September 23, 2009

The student works under the guidance of a major professor with a committee of faculty

members; however the obligations of research, accuracy, writing, and quality rest with the

student.

The student's minimum responsibilities, in consultation with the thesis or dissertation committee

chair and committee, include:

o Conducting thorough and original research and analysis. Remember that all

research involving any federal- or state-mandated compliance issues must be

approved by the appropriate university committee prior to any collection of data on

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 5

the study. Compliance issues include: human subjects, animal subjects, infectious

agents, recombinant DNA, radioactive material, x-rays, lasers, hazardous chemicals

and boating/diving safety.

For additional information, contact the Office of Sponsored Research at (561)

297-2318, or at http://www.fau.edu/research/rcs.

o Accurately organizing and presenting well-written material in clear and correct

English.

Only students majoring in a foreign language, or students who have received

permission from their committee, may prepare a thesis or dissertation in a

language other than English, with all prefatory material in English.

o Following correct form in quotations, footnotes or endnotes, bibliographical entries,

and illustrative materials.

o Ensuring that the work is entirely the student's own, except where reference is made

to the work of others.

o Ensuring that the work does not include proprietary or classified information.

o Making all corrections suggested by the supervisory committee and required by the

Graduate College.

o Presenting a manuscript meeting the requirements of the student’s college, as well

as the university.

o Ensuring that all steps toward final approval are done on time, including the filing

of the necessary forms and paying the fees as outlined in this guide. (See Thesis and

Dissertation Submission Checklist.)

o Prior to defense, submitting an electronic draft copy to the Graduate College for a

format check. (See Section V, page 24.)

If using Microsoft 2007, save the manuscript either in the 2003 version or as

a pdf file.

o Checking final paper copy for errors before the final submission to the Graduate

College. (See Section V, page 24.)

o Converting the final approved manuscript into a formatted pdf file for electronic

submission. (See Section V, page 28.)

Note:

o It is good practice to schedule the thesis or dissertation defense at least two

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 6

(2) weeks prior to the deadline for submitting the final manuscript to the

Graduate College as indicated in the academic calendar. Consult your

college or departmental guidelines regarding the scheduling of thesis or

dissertation defenses. Often these deadlines occur much earlier in the

graduation semester.

o Do not use a previously-approved dissertation or thesis as a model since the

requirements may have changed since its approval. This can result in a

student having to redo incorrect work.

o Whether the student types the manuscript or has someone else type it, the

student is responsible for ensuring that the manuscript meets all the

requirements outlined in this document.

o It is important to ensure that the names and titles of the committee members

and college officials listed on the signature page are accurate.

o It is the student’s responsibility to provide a medium or broad-tipped pen with dark

opaque ink (i.e., a black felt-tip pen) to the signatories.

Blue ink is not acceptable.

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 7

• SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE The committee chair will guide the student on research, analysis, writing, and other scholarly

aspects of the work. While the members of the student's committee contribute, the primary

responsibility rests with the committee chair.

Submission of a thesis or dissertation is defined as the time when the first complete draft is

submitted to the supervisory committee for review. All committee members, including the chair,

read the manuscript critically. Each may suggest improvements and refuse approval pending

additional work.

The committee chair and committee members sign their names on three (3) separate signature

pages. There can be no temporary substitute members. Also, no other person may sign a

committee member's name on a signature page, even with the authorization of the committee

member involved and the committee chair. Any exceptions involving unusual circumstances

require Graduate College approval.

When committee members and the committee chair sign the signature page, they certify that the

thesis or dissertation is clear and accurate, that it represents an original and worthwhile

contribution, that the suggestions made by them are incorporated into the final work, and that the

work conforms to the standards of the particular discipline, to Florida Atlantic University, and to

Graduate College specifications.

o No faculty member will sign a dissertation or thesis unless it is of foremost quality and meets all requirements.

A medium or broad-tipped pen with dark opaque ink (i.e., a black felt-tip pen) should be used for the signatures as this reproduces well.

• Blue ink is not acceptable. o In the case of discrepancy between university guidelines and departmental

requirements, the university guidelines shall take precedence. Refer to the Appendix for further details.

o It is important to ensure that the names and titles of the committee members and college officials listed on the signature page are accurate.

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 8

• GRADUATE COLLEGE o The degree completion specialist and the dean of the Graduate College review the

manuscript for formatting, style, and consistency. They also ensure that the

manuscript adheres to all the requirements and deadlines outlined in this document.

Only when all conditions are satisfied will the manuscript be signed by the

dean of the Graduate College. Without this signature, the student will not

graduate.

o After approval, the signature page will be scanned and emailed to the student for

electronic submission (ETD). The Graduate College forwards all dissertations and

theses to the library for processing.

The Graduate College will verify the ETD and paper versions of the

manuscript are identical prior to forwarding the paper copies to the library.

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 9

• LIBRARY o The library receives the paper from the Graduate College and ETD from the student

and verifies all the paperwork is in order before sending it to the bindery.

The ETD is submitted to UMI/ProQuest along with associated forms and fees for publishing.

Paper copies are submitted to the bindery for binding

o Upon receipt of the bound copies from the bindery, the library sends the copies to

the colleges for distribution and catalogues the original manuscript in the library.

Note: The original manuscript becomes library property.

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 10

SECTION IV: MANUSCRIPT REQUIREMENTS

• TYPING A student may choose to type the manuscript themselves, or employ a skilled manuscript typist.

• It is recommended that a skilled typist experienced in thesis and dissertation work be

employed to type the final draft of the thesis or dissertation. In this case:

o It is very important that the student and the typist have a clear understanding

regarding charges, completion dates, number of copies, etc., as the university

assumes no responsibility in these matters.

o The student is responsible for providing the typist with a copy of these

guidelines and requirements as well as clean, legible copy arranged in proper

sequence and format.

• The student is responsible for ensuring that:

o The numbering of the manuscript pages as well as the spelling, especially of

scientific terminology or nomenclature, is consistent and correct.

o The references and/or bibliography are formatted consistent with the style

manual being used.

The ultimate responsibility for correctness lies with the student and the

supervisory committee.

Note:

Whether the student types the manuscript or has someone else type it,

the student is responsible for ensuring that the manuscript meets all the

requirements outlined in this document.

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 11

• PAPER The three (3) required final copies must be printed on 20 lb. (minimum) white, 25 percent cotton

content, watermarked bond paper. The paper must measure 8-1/2 by 11 inches.

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 12

• MANUSCRIPT LAYOUT o This chart indicates the various manuscript sections, the order in which they appear,

how they are numbered, and if they appear in the table of contents.

Section Numbering Listed in Table of Contents

Title page Not numbered (but considered page i) no Copyright page (optional)

Numbered in lower case Roman numerals

- if included, this becomes page ii

no

Signature page Numbered in lower case Roman numerals

- if copyright page is included, this becomes page iii

- if copyright page is not included, this becomes page ii

no

Vita (optional)

Numbered in lower case Roman numerals N.B. The student has the option of placing a one-page vita as the last page of the dissertation or thesis. If selected, the vita page is numbered in Arabic numerals.

no

Acknowledgements Numbered in lower case Roman numerals

no

Abstract Numbered in lower case Roman numerals

no

Dedication (optional) Not numbered (and not counted in the pagination)

no

Table of Contents Numbered in lower case Roman numerals

n/a

List of Tables Numbered in lower case Roman numerals

yes

List of Figures Numbered in lower case Roman numerals

yes

Manuscript Numbered in Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.)

yes

Appendixes Numbered in Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.)

yes

References/Bibliography Numbered according to the style manual used.

yes

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 13

• COPY LAYOUT o The copy must be printed on one side only.

o The copy must not contain:

• overstrikes

• crossed-out material

• defective or illegible type

• lines from paste-ups

• shading in the background

• smears

• mistake corrections that leave a film or smudge

• mistakes corrected with correction fluid or tape

o Use of photo-mounting corners, staples, or transparent tape is not permitted in any

final copy.

o Rubber cement or a dry adhesive (e.g., glue stick) may be used.

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 14

• FONT o Regular style type (e.g., Times New Roman, Arial) of 10-point or 12-point type size

should be used.

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 15

• MARGINS o Consult your word processing help software for guidance on setting margins.

o Bottom and right margins

One (1) inch

• Bottom margin is measured from the bottom of the page to the

bottom of the page number.

• The right margin is measured from the edge of the page to the right

end of the text, figure or table.

Page numbers must be above the one (1) inch margin

o Left margins

One and a half (1.5) inches

• The left margin is measured from the edge of the page to the left end

of the text, figure or table.

o Top margins

All top margins, with the exceptions noted below, are one (1) inch,

measured from the edge of the page to the top of the text, figure or table.

Exceptions:

• Preliminary pages with titles (title page, copyright page, signature

page, vita, acknowledgements, abstract, dedication, table of

contents): Two (2) inches.

• If any of these pages continue on a second page, the top

margin of the 2nd page is one (1) inch.

• First page of a major division (e.g., chapter, bibliography): Two

(2) inches.

Note: All tables and figures must conform to the margin requirements. This may

require photographic reduction in some cases.

Note:

• Even if you set the margins to the above specifications, you may find that you have to adjust the settings slightly.

• It is recommended that you print off several pages, physically measure the margins with a ruler, and make any adjustments as needed.

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 16

• SPACING o All textual material should be double-spaced. This includes the general text in the

manuscript, the abstract, and the acknowledgements.

Exception: Footnotes and long quotations (as specified in the style manual

used) should be single-spaced.

o Spacing on other preliminary pages (signature page, title page, copyright,

dedication page) should follow the specific examples outlined below:

• Sample Signature Page (Doctoral)

• Sample Title Page (Doctoral)

• Sample Signature Page (Masters)

• Sample Title Page (Masters)

• Sample Copyright Page

• Sample Dedication Page

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 17

• PAGE NUMBERS o Consult your word processing help software and your thesis or dissertation style

manual for guidance on inserting page numbers.

o All page numbers stand alone, without any punctuation (e.g., i or 1).

o All page numbers are centered one (1) inch from the bottom of each page.

o All of the pages in the dissertation or thesis manuscript, with the exceptions noted

below, begin with the number 1 and continue in consecutive order to the last page

of the manuscript. Do not use letter suffixes such as 10a, 10 b, etc.

Exception: Preliminary pages (copyright, signature page,

acknowledgements, and abstract) are numbered in lower case Roman

numerals (i, ii, iii, etc.)

o The following indicates the order of the preliminary pages and basic instructions for

each page.

Title Page:

• The title page is not numbered, but considered page “i”.

• The date on the bottom of the title page is the month and year of the

student’s graduation.

• Sample Title Page (Doctoral)

• Sample Title Page (Masters)

Copyright Notice (optional)

• Sample Copyright Page

Signature Page

• Sample Signature Page (Doctoral)

• Sample Signature Page (Masters)

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 18

Vita (optional)

• If the manuscript’s author’s feels that a vita is necessary, it should be

limited to one page.

Acknowledgements or Preface Page (optional)

• If the manuscript author feels that acknowledgements are necessary,

it is highly recommended that these comments are kept brief.

• The acknowledgement page is placed before the abstract.

• The acknowledgement page is not listed in the Table in

Contents.

Abstract

• The abstract summarizes the thesis or dissertation, and should echo

the style, reflect the emphasis, and follow the structural pattern of the

manuscript. The abstract should be succinct, accurate, and written in

complete sentences.

• The abstract is placed before the Table of Contents

• It is not listed in the Table of Contents

• The master’s thesis abstract:

• Is limited to a maximum of 150 words.

• Is double-spaced.

• The doctoral dissertation abstract:

• Is limited to a maximum of 350 words.

• Is double-spaced.

• Formulas, symbols, and foreign words and phrases should be printed

clearly and accurately to avoid any delays in submitting the

manuscript.

• An acronym must be preceded by the full name at first use.

• Example: Florida Atlantic University (FAU)

• Since the abstract will be published in Masters Abstracts and

Dissertation Abstracts without editing or revision, it is critical that

the abstract adheres to the above guidelines.

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 19

Dedication Page

• The dedication page is optional.

• It is placed after the abstract.

• It is not numbered, and not counted in the pagination.

• The dedication page is not listed in the Table of Contents.

Table of Contents

• The Table of Contents does not list any of the pages preceding it.

• The Table of Content does include:

• List of Tables

• List of Figures

• Manuscript

• Appendixes

• References/Bibliography

• It is important to use the Table of Content instructions given in the

software you are using. This will create leaders (periods) leading up

to the page numbers and ensures that the page numbers are aligned

properly.

• List of Tables and List of Figures are created in the same

manner.

• Sample Table of Contents

Note:

For any chart, figure, or table in landscape format:

o Refer to this link for the layout:

Sample Table in Landscape Format

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 20

• ILLUSTRATIONS AND TABLES o All charts, graphs, maps, diagrams, figures, and tables must be numbered and given

a title.

o Illustrative material drawn in dark, opaque ink will reproduce satisfactorily.

o Since microfilming is a black-and-white photographic process, color printing

appears as slightly varying shades of gray.

Lines on a graph should be identified by labels or symbols rather than by

colors.

Shaded areas such as countries on a map have better contrast if

crosshatching is used instead of color.

Note:

For any chart, figure, or table in landscape format:

o Refer to this link for the layout:

• Sample Table in Landscape Format

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 21

• OVERSIZED PAGES o Any charts, graphs, maps, or tables that are larger than the standard page size (8-1/2

x 11) should be carefully folded into the manuscript. However, since these pages

complicate microfilming, it is recommended that these pages be avoided unless

absolutely necessary.

If the student decides to insert these oversized pages, make as few folds as

possible.

Another option is to fit the chart or table on a standard page by using a

photographic reduction, which can be arranged with the Campus Copy

Center.

• If a reduction is used, ensure that the material is legible after

reduction.

• Remember that margin requirements must be maintained.

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 22

• PHOTOGRAPHS o Ideally, each photograph should have a full range of contrast from true black to pure

white. Photos with limited contrast will reproduce satisfactorily on positive

microfilm, but they will be unclear in photographic copies made from microfilm.

o Color photos should not be used in the thesis or dissertation unless the color itself is

essential to communicate the data. If necessary, contact a photographer about

having color photographs reprinted in black and white.

o While rubber cement and glue are acceptable means for affixing photos, dry-

mounting tissue provides the neatest and most permanent method.

o Photos printed on 8-1/2 x 11 inch paper also are acceptable.

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 23

• PRINTER EQUIPMENT o The printer used must produce a letter-quality product.

o The characters must be solid and not transparent.

o Do not use a dot matrix printer.

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 24

SECTION V: SUBMISSION FOR PUBLISHING The student's supervisory committee is responsible for ensuring that the thesis or dissertation

meets the standards of the particular discipline and of the university; it is the student's

responsibility to comply with all requirements.

In case of discrepancy between university guidelines and departmental requirements, the

university guidelines take precedence.

• The semester prior to graduation (i.e., summer is the semester prior to fall graduation, fall

is the semester prior to spring graduation, and spring is the semester prior to summer

graduation):

o Student ensures an approved Plan of Study is on file in the Graduate College.

• Three (3) months prior to graduation:

o Student submits Application for Degree to the Registrar.

o Refer to the academic calendar for specific deadline dates:

http://www.fau.edu/registrar/acadcal.php

• The thesis or dissertation supervisory committee chair is responsible for notifying the

Graduate College of the date, time, and place of the defense in order to provide public

notice.

o Defenses should be scheduled at least four (4) weeks prior to the Graduate

College thesis and dissertation submission deadline.

o Consult the college housing the departmental program for thesis and dissertation

defense guidelines.

• At least two (2) weeks before the thesis or dissertation defense:

o Student submits an electronic draft of the manuscript to the Graduate College for

formatting review only to graduatesupport@fau.edu.

This preliminary review is completed in a timely fashion by the Graduate

College and any feedback is given to the student via email prior to their

defense.

While this formatting review is underway, it in no way interferes with the

student’s ability to continue working on the content, or the faculty

member’s ability to review the document prior to the defense.

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 25

The review is limited to checking margins, font type and size, and overall

formatting for legibility.

• The electronic formatting review is done before the signature page

is signed by the committee to ensure that the page is formatted

correctly and that the names and titles are accurate; otherwise if

there is a problem, a student would have to redo this page and

obtain committee signatures a second time.

o Students will receive feedback via email indicating whether

the signature page is acceptable or unacceptable.

Feedback is provided in the form of a checklist with

comments (when necessary).

Students should retain a copy of this checklist to

share with their supervisory committee chair prior

to obtaining final signatures.

This preliminary review is required by the Dean of the Graduate College

as a way to avoid unnecessary inconvenience to students, faculty, and

staff, especially in the case of re-obtaining signatures on the signature

page.

o Since it is a university policy for students to submit their Plan of Study in the

semester prior to their graduation semester, the Graduate College will not review

the electronic manuscript if an approved Plan of Study is not on file. This may

delay the student’s graduation.

• By the thesis or dissertation deadline, as indicated in the FAU academic calendar:

o Student submits the following to the Graduate College:

One (1) copy of the thesis or dissertation on draft paper for final format

review.

• Three (3) original, signed signature pages on 20 lb. (minimum)

white, 25 percent cotton content, watermarked bond paper.

• A medium or broad-tipped pen with dark opaque ink (i.e., a black

felt-tip pen) should be used for the signatures as this reproduces

well.

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 26

o Blue ink is not acceptable.

• Note: The Graduate College will obtain the signature of the Dean

of the Graduate College.

• Two (2) weeks prior to graduation:

o Student prints Thesis and Dissertation Submission Checklist.

o Student submits three (3) final paper copies of the thesis or dissertation to the

Graduate College, SU 80, Room 101.

These three copies are distributed as follows:

• One – chair of the student’s committee.

• One – chair of the student’s department.

• One – the FAU library.

All paper copies should be submitted in a covered box, that holds the

papers securely, if possible (i.e. the box that the paper comes in and

labeled with the student's name.

Each copy of the manuscript is separated by colored paper (black,

newsprint or magazine pages can permanently mark the manuscript,

therefore avoid their use).

The box also contains the following items:

• Thesis and Dissertation Submission Checklist.

• The completed and signed Publishing Agreement form from

ProQuest Information and Learning (PQIL), pages 3-4:

http://www.il.proquest.com/dissertationagree/ Login: dissertations Password: publish

• Note: For students selecting open access publishing

(optional), there is a $160 fee payable to ProQuest.

• For students considering restricting access in any

way, contact the Manager of Degree Completion

Services, prior to delivery of the final manuscript to

the Graduate College.

• A cashier’s check or money order made out to PQIL for the

publishing fee, and attached to the publishing agreement form.

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 27

o $55 for master’s thesis

o $65 for doctoral dissertation

• Binding fee receipt from the FAU cashier for $11.70 per copy (up

to 2” thick).

o The cost is $35.10 for the three (3) required copies.

o Check, cash, or credit cards are accepted by the cashier.

o Note: For copies over 2” thick, add an additional $1.25 per

copy.

• If choosing to copyright, a completed Copyright form from PQIL

(see page 5) with attached money order or cashier’s check in the

amount of $55, payable to PQIL must be submitted.

o It may take an extended period of time until the copyright

certification is mailed to the student.

• Two extra copies of the title page and abstract, on 20 lb.

(minimum) white, 25 percent cotton content, watermarked bond

paper.

• Survey of Earned Doctorate form (doctoral students only).

• Graduate Exit Survey, completed either in the Graduate College

office in SU 80, Room 101 or in the dean’s office of the student’s

college.

Note:

• It is good practice to schedule the thesis or dissertation defense

at least four (4) weeks prior to the deadline for submitting the

final manuscript, as indicated in the academic calendar.

• It is critical that the thesis or dissertation package is complete and

accurate, and submitted to the Graduate College by the deadline date.

• The Graduate College will insert the signature pages into the paper

copies after obtaining the approval of the Graduate College dean.

• If necessary, you may schedule an appointment with the Graduate

College degree completion services staff at graduatesupport@fau.edu.

o An incomplete package may postpone a student’s graduation.

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 28

• The student should ensure that MyFAU has an up-to-date permanent

address as well as an alternate address of parents, relatives, or friends.

• If the student wishes to have personal copies of their manuscript, they

can be ordered from a number of binderies found in each State.

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 29

• ELECTRONIC COPY In addition to submitting the final paper copies of the manuscript, students are responsible for

submitting an electronic version as well. Compared to a traditional paper-based thesis or

dissertation, a thesis or dissertation created and published online in an electronic format has

several benefits. Some of the major benefits are:

o Increased visibility: A student’s work is available to faculty, potential employers,

and a larger audience of readers interested in that work.

o Worldwide access: Once a thesis or dissertation has been processed and

electronically published by the FAU libraries, it is available electronically to

interested readers around the world through the Electronic Thesis and Dissertation

(ETD) website. Also, since the thesis or dissertation is in an electronic format, it is

available on demand for simultaneous viewing by multiple readers.

o Increased attention to a student’s work: Statistics from other universities show

that ETDs are accessed more often than paper-based theses/dissertations, giving

increased attention to a student’s work.

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 30

• INSTRUCTIONS These instructions are used for submitting the electronic version of the manuscript.

o To convert an MS Word 2003 or MS Word 2007 manuscript into a pdf file, click on

the appropriate file:

MS 2003: MS 2007:

FAU-ETD-submission guidelines_MS2003_v

FAU-ETD-submission guidelines_MS2007_1

o Other FAU-supported software includes LaTek.

For this software, contact the Manager of the Digital Library.

o For any student who uses software other than MS Word 2003, MS Word 2007, or

LaTek, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain instructions on converting their

manuscript to a pdf file.

o Once the final manuscript has been converted into a pdf file, submit it

electronically to: https://swise.fau.edu/etd/.

o Direct technical questions to the Manager of the Digital Library.

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 31

GRADUATE THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDELINES 32

APPENDIXES

The following pages contain examples of formatted pages, showing both FAU-required formats

and formats used by the various style manuals in addition to information regarding who to

contact for further assistance.

Below is an outline of those pages that follow the FAU format and those that follow the specific

style manual as recommended by the student’s supervisory committee.

It is important to remember that regardless of the style manual used, FAU margin

requirements are maintained.

Section Format

Title page FAU-required format, as shown in sample.

Copyright page FAU-required format, as shown in sample.

Signature page FAU-required format, as shown in sample.

It is important to ensure that the names and titles of the

supervisory committee and college officials are accurate.

Acknowledgements FAU-required format, as shown in sample.

Abstract FAU-required format, as shown in sample.

Dedication page FAU-required format, as shown in sample.

(This page is optional.)

Table of Contents Format depends on style manual used.

Tables Format depends on style manual used.

Figures Format depends on style manual used.

Abstract Format depends on style manual used.

Reference or Bibliography Format depends on style manual used.